Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, the anticipated sequel in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), has been the subject of numerous rumors and speculations, especially regarding the potential appearances of various iterations of Batman. However, the absence of Ben Affleck’s Batman from the film is now seen in a more favorable light, considering the tumultuous journey of the Dark Knight in the DCEU.
The Flash: A Fitting Farewell to Affleck’s Batman
Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Batman/Bruce Wayne has been met with mixed reactions, but his role in 2023’s The Flash was widely appreciated. Serving as a mentor to Barry Allen, his performance was a beacon of hope in a film fraught with its own set of problems.
Despite the challenges, Affleck’s Batman had a memorable action sequence and a poignant scene with Barry, showcasing some of the best writing for the character in the DCEU. Affleck himself admitted to finally mastering the role in The Flash, ironically marking his final appearance in the franchise.
The Lost Kingdom: A Self-Contained Odyssey
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is poised as the final chapter before James Gunn’s reboot of the DC Universe in 2024. The film, with its underwater realms and fantastical elements, offers a contrast to the gritty, grounded world of Batman.
Integrating Batman into this narrative could have seemed more like a forced attempt at fanservice rather than a meaningful addition to the plot. By keeping the film self-contained, it avoids muddling the already complex DC timeline and offers a satisfying conclusion to this iteration of the franchise without the burden of unresolved plot threads.
The Dynamic Dilemma: Batman and Aquaman
The dynamic between Batman and Aquaman in the DCEU has been entertaining but lacks the depth found in Batman’s relationship with other characters like Barry Allen. An appearance by Batman in Aquaman 2 would likely have felt more obligatory than organic, potentially detracting from the film’s central narrative and character development.
The Downfall of Affleck’s Dark Knight
Ben Affleck’s tenure as Batman was marred not by his performance but by the mishandling of the franchise by Warner Bros. The studio’s deviation from Zack Snyder’s vision following the negative reaction to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice created a rift in the storyline and led to a lack of clear direction for the character. Affleck’s Batman, originally slated for his own solo film and two Justice League sequels, was gradually phased out, leaving fans and the actor himself with a sense of what could have been.
A Positive Absence: Reflecting on Affleck’s Nonappearance
In light of the chaotic trajectory of Affleck’s Batman, his absence from Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is arguably a blessing in disguise. It allows the film to maintain its unique essence without the imposition of external characters and narratives. It also spares Affleck’s Batman from further entanglement in the convoluted and often contradictory developments within the DCEU.
Conclusion: A Kingdom Untouched by Shadows
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, with its rich, otherworldly tapestry, stands as a beacon of what the DCEU can achieve when a film is allowed to explore its own narrative landscape without the interference of mismatched elements. Ben Affleck’s Batman, despite the highs and lows, received a fitting sendoff in The Flash, leaving fans with a glimpse of what his portrayal of the Dark Knight could have truly been. The absence of his shadow in Aquaman’s vibrant kingdom allows both characters to shine in their respective realms, untainted by the disappointments of the past.
